Types of Cocaine – Know What It Looks Like & How to Get Help

If you have not used cocaine before, you might assume that all cocaine looks the same. However, this is simply not the case. While most cocaine comes as a white powder, there are sometimes variations in the color of cocaine. And even when cocaine comes as a white powder, it can look and smell different.

The reason for this variation in cocaine is due to the method of manufacturing, and any cuts that may have been put in the drug. There are a few different ways that you can make cocaine, and it is very rare to find a cocaine powder that has not been adulterated in some way. This is a crucial point, as there are specific dangers that come with different cuts, which are additional to the significant risks posed by cocaine use.

In this article, we will look at the different types of cocaine, what causes them to look a certain way, and the dangers involved.

What Does Cocaine Look Like?

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that comes in different forms. It can be found as a white powder, known as “gram” or “eight ball” on the street, and it may also come in rock form. Cocaine has a strong odor and usually varies in color from white to yellowish-white, though there are some exceptions to this. It usually has a bitter taste and numbing effects. The effects of using cocaine can be intense but are short-lived.

It is difficult to be sure that a powder is cocaine without having previously seen cocaine. The numbing effect of cocaine is perhaps the biggest telltale sign, but you should not attempt to test cocaine by using it or rubbing it on your gums, as this can be dangerous.

The safest and most accurate way of identifying cocaine is by testing it with special kits, reagent tests, or drug test strips. These methods provide reliable results and the tests are inexpensive.

Types Of Cocaine

Cocaine typically resembles small rocks, pieces or even soap shavings, and can come in various sizes and shapes. Additionally, crack cocaine can come in a range of colors and forms including:

Brown Cocaine

Brown cocaine is a type of cocaine that has been mixed with other substances, to either create a strong effect or add weight to the drug. It is rare for someone to sell brown cocaine, as generally cuts which approximately match the color of cocaine are used.

Pink Cocaine

2C-B, also known as Pink Cocaine, is a synthetic drug first created by Professor Alexander Shulgin in 1974. It has been used recreationally since the late 1970s and continues to be popular today despite being illegal in many countries.

Despite its similar name, pink cocaine is not really cocaine – it is actually a hallucinogenic drug that produces a range of effects such as euphoria, visual distortions, and auditory hallucinations. 2CB is most often taken orally in pill or capsule form, though it is sometimes seen as a powder.

The effects of 2CB last for about four hours and include increased energy levels, feelings of euphoria, and intense openness to creative thought. It can also cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, increased heart rate and blood pressure, panic attacks, paranoia, and addiction. Thus, it is important to use caution when considering the use of 2CB or any other type of fake cocaine.

Purple Cocaine

Purple cocaine is a type of cocaine that has been mixed with other substances to give it a purple hue. It is often sold under the name "purple drank" or "lean". Purple cocaine is usually consumed by drinking it as a syrup mixed with soda or other beverages. It can cause dangerous respiratory depression and even death when consumed in large amounts.

Yellow Cocaine

Yellow cocaine is a type of cocaine that has been mixed with other substances to give it a yellow color. It is often sold under the name "yellow powder". Yellow cocaine may contain various additives and fillers, which can increase the risk of adverse effects and overdose.

Blue Cocaine

Blue cocaine is a type of cocaine that has been mixed with other substances to give it a blue color. It is often sold under the name "blue sky". Blue cocaine may contain various additives and fillers, which can increase the risk of adverse effects and overdose.

Red Cocaine

Red cocaine is a type of cocaine that has been mixed with other substances to give it a red color. It is often sold under the name "red devil". Red cocaine may contain various additives and fillers, which can increase the risk of adverse effects and overdose.

Liquid Cocaine

Liquid cocaine is a type of cocaine that has been dissolved in water or other liquids. It can be consumed by drinking it or by injecting it directly into the bloodstream. Liquid cocaine is associated with a high risk of overdose and other serious health consequences.

Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine is a potent, highly addictive form of cocaine. It typically comes in the form of white or off-white rocks that look similar to soap or small pebbles. It can be smoked, injected, or snorted for an intense and quick high.

Crack cocaine tends to be higher in purity than powder cocaine, but it may still be cut with some substances to increase the weight.

The use of crack cocaine is associated with several potentially serious physical, psychological, and social consequences. Physical effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, chest pain, nausea, convulsions, and an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.

Psychological effects may include mood swings, anxiety, paranoia, confusion, depression, irritability and restlessness. Additional risks associated with crack cocaine when injected include an increased risk of developing infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and tuberculosis. It can also lead to financial problems due to the cost of buying drugs and potential legal issues related to its possession and sale.

Note that all of the above is also true for powder cocaine.

Cocaine Hydrochloride

Cocaine hydrochloride is simply the chemical name of powder cocaine. If something contains only cocaine hydrochloride it means it is 100% pure cocaine.

Fish Scale Cocaine

Fishscale cocaine is a type of cocaine that has been purified to the point where it resembles scales from a fish. It is usually found in powder form, but can also be found as crystals or rocks. Fishscale cocaine is highly sought after by drug users due to its high purity and potency. It typically contains between 75-90% pure cocaine and is usually much stronger than regular street-level cocaine. Like regular cocaine, it can be snorted, injected or smoked.

Use of this type of cocaine carries a higher risk of overdose, as the potency is significantly higher compared to other forms of cocaine.

Fish scale cocaine has also been linked to an increased risk of addiction and other health problems associated with drug use.

Moonrocks Cocaine

Moonrocks cocaine is a highly potent form of cocaine that has been mixed with other drugs such as MDMA or PCP. It looks like small rocks or pebbles, hence the name "moonrocks". The effects of moonrocks cocaine can be highly unpredictable and dangerous, and it is associated with a high risk of overdose.

Freebase Cocaine

Freebase cocaine is a highly-potent form of cocaine that has been chemically altered to remove impurities. It is often smoked, which allows the drug to enter the bloodstream more quickly than other forms of cocaine. Freebase cocaine is associated with a high risk of overdose and other serious health consequences.

Pure Cocaine

Pure cocaine is a white, crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It has a distinctively strong chemical smell and can also give off vapors that have an ammonia-like odor. The powder can range in texture from being very fine to being more gritty or grainy.

Synthetic Cocaine

Synthetic cocaine, also known as fake cocaine or synthetic cathinone, is a drug that is produced in laboratories to mimic the effects of the natural stimulant found in coca leaves. Synthetic cocaine is typically sold on the street as a white powder or crystal-like substance and its effects have been compared to those of “real” cocaine, albeit with a much lower potency. Synthetic cocaine produces intense feelings of euphoria and alertness, but can also cause dangerous side effects.

The most common kind of synthetic cocaine now sold are “bath salts”, which are chemically similar to the cathinone found in the Catha edulisplant. One of the most popular of these is known as mephedrone, but there are many more varieties of bath salts being manufactured.

While bath salts may have somewhat similar effects of regular cocaine, they often look and smell somewhat different. The main telltale sign of synthetic cocaine is a particularly pungent and unpleasant chemical smell.

Different types of cocaine and their risks: Understanding the dangers

Cocaine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. There are various types of cocaine, each with its own set of risks and dangers.

Types of Cocaine

• Powder Cocaine: The most common form of cocaine is powder cocaine, which is usually snorted through the nose.
• Crack Cocaine: Crack cocaine, on the other hand, is smoked and is often more potent than powder cocaine.
• Freebase Cocaine: Freebase cocaine can also be smoked, and some users inject it directly into their bloodstream for a faster and more intense high.
• Synthetic Cocaine: Synthetic cocaine, which is often laced with other drugs, may be ingested orally or snorted like powder cocaine.

Risks of Cocaine Use

It is important to note that all forms of cocaine pose significant risks to the user, regardless of how they are consumed. Cocaine use can lead to addiction, physical health problems such as heart attack or stroke, and social problems such as financial difficulties and legal issues. Additionally, the use of cocaine can cause psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia.

If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. With the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.

Dangers of Cocaine Use: Addiction and Health Risks

It is important to note that no type of cocaine is safe to use, as all types of cocaine are highly addictive and pose significant risks to the user.

Physical health problems

Not only can cocaine use lead to addiction, but it can also cause physical health problems such as heart attack or stroke, and social problems such as financial difficulties and legal issues.

Psychological problems

Additionally, the use of cocaine can cause psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cocaine is a potent stimulant that directly affects the brain. It interferes with the normal functioning of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward in the brain.

Euphoria

Cocaine causes large amounts of dopamine to build up in the brain's synapses, which leads to an intense euphoria or "high" for a short period of time.

Addiction

However, repeated use of cocaine can lead to changes in the brain's reward system that make it increasingly difficult for users to experience pleasure from other activities. This can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior and addiction.

In summary, while there are many different types of cocaine available on the market today, none of them are safe for human consumption due to their highly addictive nature and potential for serious health consequences.

Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction is a serious problem that can have devastating effects on an individual's physical, psychological, and social well-being. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction is crucial in order to help oneself or a loved one get the help they need.

Here are some common signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction:

Increased Tolerance

Over time, regular cocaine use can lead to the development of tolerance, which means that higher doses are needed to achieve the desired effect.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone addicted to cocaine tries to stop using it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, and intense cravings for the drug.

Neglecting Responsibilities

Cocaine addiction can cause individuals to neglect their responsibilities at work, school or home. They may miss deadlines or appointments or show up late frequently.

Financial Problems

Cocaine addiction can be expensive and lead users to spend an excessive amount of money on drugs. They may also borrow money from friends or family members or resort to stealing in order to support their habit.

Changes in Behavior

Cocaine use can cause changes in mood and behavior. Individuals may become more irritable, paranoid or aggressive. They may also become more secretive about their drug use.

Physical Changes

Prolonged cocaine use can cause physical changes such as weight loss, dilated pupils, nosebleeds (if snorted), track marks (if injected) and dental problems.

If you suspect that you or a loved one is addicted to cocaine, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. A qualified healthcare provider can provide treatment options that are tailored specifically for your needs.

Getting Help With A Residential Drug Rehab

If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction, residential drug treatment can be beneficial. Residential rehab centers provide 24/7 supervision and support for those seeking recovery from substance abuse.

Our residential program includes medical services, psychological counseling, group and individual therapy, lifestyle education, relapse prevention training, and other holistic treatments to help a person on their journey to lasting sobriety. Rehab staff will develop an individualized plan for each person based on their needs and create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment to help them learn how to cope with their addiction and develop the skills necessary for recovery.

For more information on how you can save your life by going to residential treatment, contact Wellbrook Recovery.

Drug Education and Prevention Programs in Reducing Cocaine Use

Drug education and prevention programs are crucial in reducing cocaine use. They provide information and strategies for avoiding drug use or seeking help if already using. Effective programs focus on building life skills and promoting healthy behaviors and attitudes towards drug use. Prevention programs may involve community-based initiatives to reduce availability of drugs.

The D.A.R.E program is a successful program, reducing substance abuse among youth. Parents can also play a role by talking openly with their children, setting clear rules, monitoring activities, and seeking help if needed. Overall, drug education and prevention programs are essential tools in the fight against cocaine addiction.

Conclusion

Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant that poses significant risks to the user. There are several different types of cocaine, including powder cocaine, crack cocaine, freebase cocaine, fish scale cocaine, moonrocks cocaine and synthetic cocaine. All types of cocaine can lead to addiction and physical health problems such as heart attack or stroke, as well as psychological problems such as anxiety, depression and paranoia.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction is crucial in order to help oneself or a loved one get the help they need. Treatment options include residential drug rehab centers that provide 24/7 supervision and support for those seeking recovery from substance abuse.

Sources

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2021). Cocaine DrugFacts.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2013). Substance Abuse: Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment - A Treatment Improvement Protocol.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). Cocaine Research Report: What are the long-term effects of cocaine use? Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine
• MedlinePlus. (2019). Cocaine overdose. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002861.htm